KUALA LUMPUR – PAS has hopped onto the bandwagon in calling out Seputeh MP Teresa Kok for failing to understand the need for halal certification so Muslims can enjoy food permissible according to Islamic teachings.
PAS secretary-general Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan explained that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department’s (Jakim) recent proposal meant that eateries owned by non-Muslims should not serve Muslims unless they have halal certification.
“There have been many cases on this issue up to the point that it causes distrust among members of the public.
“Although PAS agrees that Muslims should be more careful with their choices, the government also has a role in overcoming such situations,” Takiyuddin said.
Meanwhile, the Kota Bharu MP also pointed out that Kok’s opposition to Jakim’s proposal on halal certification was “hasty” and “painted Islam in the wrong light”.
Instead, Takiyuddin suggested that because executive policy decisions must go through a process, Kok should have voiced her opposition through internal channels.
“By commenting openly, Kok has turned the matter into a polemic and caused unnecessary public misunderstanding.
“Following her statement, as expected, police reports were made against her nationwide causing authorities to investigate the matter.
“As a veteran politician, Kok should realise such a statement paints Islam and religious administration in a negative light, particularly on the positions and freedoms of non-Muslims in that context,” Takiyuddin added.
Yesterday, authorities questioned Kok at Bukit Aman police headquarters to facilitate investigations into her statement calling for a review of a proposal for mandatory halal certification for food businesses, including those that do not serve pork and alcohol.
After the process, Kok reiterated to the media here that she is not opposing Jakim and the government’s efforts to promote halal certification but merely raised concerns that such a policy could burden small business operators.
Her comments over the halal certification proposal caused an uproar, particularly from Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Salleh who called Kok “Nyonya tua” (old Nyonya” and said she should paste a “non-halal logo” on her forehead. – September 11, 2024